Spiritual Highlights of Italy - Faith-Based Travel
Spiritual Highlights of Italy - Faith-Based Travel
9 Days Starting and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo, Assisi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
5300-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
On this inspirational tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Catholic icons of Rome, such as the four major Basilicas, the Scala Sancta and the Papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo; attend the Papal Audience, learn about some of Italy’s beloved Saints, and celebrate Mass. Learn about St. Pio of Pietrelcina, a modern-day saint, visit the Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, gather in prayer at the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano, reflect in the Holy House of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Loreto, and admire the timeless beauty of the Basilicas of St. Francis and St. Clare in Assisi. Italy is a must for Catholic travelers and art lovers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Rome, Italy
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Italy! Check into your hotel, with rest of the day free to explore on your own. This afternoon, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers, and prepare for your upcoming spiritual journey. Later this evening, a welcome dinner awaits at your hotel.
Day 2 : Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing. Later, with a Local Guide, visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, burial place of St. Paul the Apostle, St John Lateran Basilica and St. Mary Major Basilica, the Rome’s four major Papal basilicas. Experience the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), transported from Jerusalem to Rome around 326 AD by St. Helena, Emperor Constantine’s mother. These 28 marble steps are traditionally ascended in a kneeling position with a prayer recital dedicated to Jesus Christ. Then, visit the impressive St. Mary Major Basilica and attend 
Mass.* * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Day 3 : Rome. Excursion To Castel Gandolfo
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia
Meals Included: Breakfast
A different, quite unique experience is offered today. We will take an included excursion to Castel Gandolfo, a quaint village in the hills outside Rome, to visit the Papal summer residence and its manicured gardens with a Local Guide. This is a unique chance to see the rooms that have been occupied by many Popes over the centuries. Enjoy the opportunity to reflect and meditate in the garden’s quiet and relaxing surroundings. In the afternoon, take advantage of time at leisure in Rome or join one of the optional excursions available.*Today's Distance: 50 mi / 80 km * For operational reasons, schedule changes for the Rome program cannot be excluded.
Day 4 : Rome - Pietrelcina - San Giovanni Rotondo
Location: San Giovanni Rotondo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Parco Delle Rose
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
On your way south, stop in quaint Pietrelcina, to visit the house where the beloved St. Pio was born, before heading towards San Giovanni Rotondo on the east coast, the Saint’s home from 1916 until his death in 1968. Today's Distance: 258 mi / 415 km
Day 5 : San Giovanni Rotondo. Excursion To Monte Sant’Angelo
Location: San Giovanni Rotondo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Parco Delle Rose
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Attend Mass this morning at Santa Maria delle Grazie (Old Church), then visit St. Pio’s friary, including his tomb, cell, confessional, and the Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church (New Church). Afterwards, take a short drive to the nearby Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, one of Christendom’s most celebrated, where St. Michael the Archangel appeared in 490, 492, and 1656. Tonight, attend the candlelight procession in San Giovanni Rotondo. Today's Distance: 43 mi / 70 km
Day 6 : San Giovanni Rotondo - Lanciano - Loreto - Assisi Area
Location: Assisi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casa Leonori
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit St. Francis Church in Lanciano, home of the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle, and attend morning Mass. Continue to the famous Marian Sanctuary of Loreto for a guided visit including the Holy House, where, according to tradition, angels transported the house of the blessed Virgin Mary. Arrive at the hilltop village of Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis and St. Clare. Today's Distance: 298 mi / 480 km
Day 7 : Assisi
Location: Assisi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casa Leonori
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, learn more about St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment. Attend early morning Mass at St. Francis Basilica, famous for its 14th-century Giotto frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis. Meet your Local Guide and visit the Upper and Lower Basilicas of St. Francis and the Basilica of St. Clare, founder of the Order of Poor Clares. Next, stop at the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, situated at the foot of Assisi’s hills and protecting the Porziuncola, where St. Francis is said to have founded the Order of Friars Minor in 1209, and the Cappella del Transito, where the saint died in 1226.
Day 8 : Assisi Area - Cascia - Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Cascia this morning, a scenic town located in Umbria and home of St. Rita, the “Patron Saint of Impossible Causes.” Visit the Sanctuary and see the Major Basilica, housing the chapel with St. Rita’s tomb. Stop in prayer at the Minor Basilica, site of the Eucharistic Miracle, commemorated each year with the Feast of Corpus Christi. Return to Rome for a final overnight stay. Today's Distance: 149 mi / 240 km
Day 9 : Rome
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
-
Transport
Travel comfortably by coach throughout Italy, visiting key spiritual and historical sites.
-
Accommodation
Stay at the Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia, Parco Delle Rose, Casa Leonori, and BV Oly Hotel, all featuring modern amenities and free Wi-Fi.
-
Excursions
Included excursions to Castel Gandolfo and other significant locations.
-
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily and 4 dinners.
-
Guided Tours
Local guides for visits to St. Paul Outside the Walls, St John Lateran Basilica, St. Mary Major Basilica, and other significant sites.
-
Papal Audience
Attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) for the chance to see the Pope and receive the Papal Blessing.
-
Mass Services
Attend Mass at various significant churches and basilicas throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
-
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions available at an additional cost.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
-
Airfare
International and domestic airfare to and from Rome is not included.
-
Papal Audience Availability
The Papal audience in the Vatican is subject to availability and not guaranteed.
UNESCO Sites
Assisi (the Basilica of San Francesco)|Rome (St. Paul Outside the Walls)|The properties of the Holy See in Rome enjoying extraterritorial rights and San Paolo outside the Walls|Vatican City
Notes
The Papal audience in the Vatican is subject to availabilityMass services may be in local language and venues are subject to changeDeparture May 21 St. Pio's feast day (25 May)Departure September 19 Anniversary of St. Pio's passing (23 September) – No Papal audience on this departureDeparture June 16 – No Papal audience on this departure
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily, 4 dinners
Accommodation
Stay at the Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia, featuring modern rooms with air-conditioning, flat screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy the restaurant, bar, and garden. Parco Delle Rose offers a large outdoor area, Olympic-size pool, and free Wi-Fi. Casa Leonori provides a peaceful courtyard, gourmet restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. BV Oly Hotel offers regional dishes and free Wi-Fi in a quiet business district.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably by coach throughout Italy, visiting key spiritual and historical sites. Enjoy included excursions to Castel Gandolfo and other significant locations, with ample time for personal exploration and optional excursions.
Check out our Q&As
-
Will there be opportunities for personal exploration during the tour?
Yes, there will be ample time for personal exploration and optional excursions, especially during the visit to Castel Gandolfo and in the afternoons in Rome.
-
Is there any special event or feast day included in the tour?
Yes, certain departures coincide with special events such as St. Pio's feast day on May 25 and the anniversary of St. Pio's passing on September 23.
-
What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and 4 dinners.
-
What type of transportation is used during the tour?
Travel comfortably by coach throughout Italy, visiting key spiritual and historical sites.
-
Will there be any religious services or Masses during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several opportunities to attend Mass, including at St. Mary Major Basilica, Santa Maria delle Grazie, St. Francis Church in Lanciano, and St. Francis Basilica in Assisi.
-
Are there any unique experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a unique excursion to Castel Gandolfo to visit the Papal summer residence and its gardens. You will also have the opportunity to attend the Papal Audience (subject to availability) and receive the Papal Blessing.
-
What are some of the key spiritual sites visited on this tour?
Key spiritual sites include St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran Basilica, St. Mary Major Basilica, the Holy Stairs, the Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, the house where St. Pio was born, the Shrine of Monte Sant’Angelo, the Sanctuary of the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano, the Holy House in Loreto, and the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi.
-
What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay at various hotels including Ibis Styles Roma Aurelia, Parco Delle Rose, Casa Leonori, and BV Oly Hotel. These hotels offer amenities such as modern rooms with air-conditioning, flat screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, restaurants, bars, gardens, and in some cases, large outdoor areas and pools.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Wednesday
Jul 16, 2024 - Jul 24, 2024Thursday - Friday
Sep 19, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 08, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024Tuesday - Wednesday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 07, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
May 06, 2025 - May 14, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
May 21, 2025 - May 29, 2025Monday - Tuesday
Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Friday - Saturday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 23, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025Tuesday - Wednesday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.